ABDO, College of Optometrists, Boots and Specsavers launch campaign as data shows only 5% of UK children under five had eye test in 2025

Four major UK optical organizations launched a public health campaign to increase awareness of early childhood eye tests after analysis estimated that only around 5% of children aged five and under had an eye test in 2025. The initiative highlights the critical window for detecting conditions like amblyopia before school starts. Supporting data indicates more encouraging uptake among those under 16, with 39.7% to 46.1% tested. However, a survey revealed that 29% of parents have never taken their child for a full eye test, and 53% of non-glasses-wearing children lack professional testing. Campaign backers include Fight for Sight and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, aiming to correct misconceptions about age requirements for testing.